Free-Way Pickup Switch

After 3 switches, I'm done with this thing. Like the others, I have had issues with the switch mechanism, and simply cutting out and not functioning. It's so disappointing because I expect so much from StewMac. They replaced the defects without question, which I do appreciate.

I find it hard to believe these are the switches used on the Gibson models because they are so poor quality and unreliable. I regret routing my Les Paul for this plastic junk!

Before installing this switch, my Black Beauty and I just didn't click. It sat on a stand and was relegated to be my backup LP. Then I put this switch in and my BB became part of the family in the regular rotation. We clicked. We bonded. The 'unlocked' tones I get now are fantastic. Each of the three pups have their voice back. I love using the switch...
...But I don't love a couple of things about it. I hated having to cut into my Black Beauty, even if the mod is covered in the end. A more compact version, if possible, would be great. Even after cutting out the new space, I found it hard to put the switch in, just barely squeezing it in while fearing the contacts would snap off at any time. On that note, the contacts are also pretty weak. I actually managed to break one off fairly easily but was lucky to still get the switch working. The switching is also a little stiff. There is also no way to isolate the middle pickup but the Jimmy Page Black Beauty didn't have that option either so I guess I shouldn't have expected it.
Overall, the switch is fantastic. But it could have been even better.

An excellent switch! the wiring diagram is idiot-proof, and this switch gives the kind of tonal choices that can only be surpassed by extremely complex wiring alternatives.

I installed this switch on an Epiphone Les Paul Studio, with a set of Seymour Duncan P'ups, and now I have the choice of single coil or humbuckers in all 3 positions. This gives me 6 different sounds...nice. The wiring was a bit of a challenge, but the instructions were very clear and easy to follow.

This switch and the customer service at Stew-Mac are nothing short of AWESOME! I would recommend this to anyone who needs the look of a toggle and the versatility of a 6-way switch! Great product folks -buy one today!

Used this to replace a push-pull I had in my Indie Double-cut semi-hollow. On stage with sweaty hands I could never "pull" the switch! I use it to change between piezos (all 3 positions on the left) and the usual magnetic options on the right. Switches reliably, but the PCB moves around a lot so not sure how long it will last. Loving it for now though :)

Quite weak construction and does not allow fast switching. It is flimsy and weak, as the previous reviewer wrote about it.

A more robust design would not hurt to replace this mediocre solution. Once you're used to the switch (means switching carefully), it delivers nicely with a 3 PU Les Paul.

If you are not ready for this kind of challenge with a rather weak, inaccurate selector switch in a Les Paul, then go with a P&P pot for the middle PU, or with the "3 volumes-1 tone" setup. Anyway, I am gonna keep it, though it is not the ultimate stuff for live performance.

I installed one of these in a project guitar that I have been working on, but it only lasted about 10 minutes before it started acting up. One of the positions crapped out altogether a few minutes later. Stew Mac's OUTSTANDING service department was all over it however, and I had a new switch in hand just days later. Unfortunately, the new switch was just as bad as the first, so back it went for a full refund.

Stewmac is a trusted supplier, their products are of exceptional quality. This switch is not up to the usual standard. Very flimsy and fragile and non-positive switching. You may get away with it in a studio situation but I am not happy to add it to one of my "live" guitars. After one day of testing there was intermittent connection at the fragile terminals and non-positive switching. Mine is going in the bin. Don't waste your money and time, do it another way.

I like minimal controls cluttering up the face of my guitars, so having the option to split (or other options) with a single control is very cool. It feels more solid and easier to use than a 5-way blade switch, too.

Only two small requests:

First, the bat for this switch is very long... longer than most regular LP-style toggles. A shorter bat, or one that can be removed and replaced with a custom shorter piece would be great.

Second: Black plating! I know a lot of black hardware has been discontinued due to RoHS requirements, but other surface treatments are available. Black powder-coat or anodizing, perhaps? I'd love to have a black option, please!